Security Resource

When you boil it down, our industry is all about communication. With roots tracing back thousands of years when scouts warned primitive civilizations of attacks or other dangers, electronic security’s primary purpose is communicating alerts to keep people and their belongings out of harm’s way. And while today’s notifications use modern technology, the human element of interpersonal engagement remains as critical now as it was in ancient times — particularly regarding effective alarm management. Minimizing false alarms and dispatches requires strong communication among security providers, customers and responders alike.

While this may seem obvious as a blaring 120dB siren, in practice there are many reasons it does not always play out. For starters, more than 90% of installing security companies are run by men, most of whom come from technical backgrounds and are more comfortable leading by doing than by spoken or written word. Add in variance in perception, ego, carelessness, indifference, deception, animosity and countless other traits that affect how messages are expressed and received, and it’s a wonder anyone ever moves in the same direction. Fortunately, our industry’s ideal of safety and well-being can overcome such obstacles to unify people.

How central are thorough communications to security systems’ successful deployment, use and response? The judging criteria for the Police Dispatch Quality (PDQ) Award — a program SSI co-founded with the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) and False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA), and whose 2012 recipient HS Technology Group graces this issue’s cover — evaluates 14 categories. Whether it’s advertising and marketing materials, training the customer, following up on false alarms, or developing a relationship with law enforcement, nearly all of them hinge on clear communications.

Earlier this year I was asked to present some sessions at the FARA Symposium in Albuquerque, N.M., one of which, “What We Got Here Is a Failure to Communicate,” was inspired by one of my favorite movies. I bet the film’s title (“Cool Hand Luke”) and star (Paul Newman) popped into your mind, but what about the great character actor who delivered that famous line? The answer awaits you at the end of this column. For now, here is a summary of key points to consider to communicate and disseminate information (full presentation available at faraonline.org/fi les/2012/05/What-We-Got-Here-Is-Failure-To-Communicate.pdf):

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About the Author

Scott Goldfine
Scott Goldfine is Editor-in-Chief and Associate Publisher of Security Sales & Integration, directing all editorial aspects of the magazine brand in print, electronically, online and in person. The voluminous, innovative and award-winning body of work he has distinguished himself with since joining the publication in 1998 includes groundbreaking research, landmark features, leadership roundtables, high profile case studies, and many industry exclusives. Well versed in the technical and business aspects of electronic security (video surveillance, access control, systems integration, intrusion detection, fire/life safety), Goldfine is a nationally known figure in demand as an industry presenter and subject matter expert to mainstream media. He is responsible for developing many unique products and programs, including the SSI Industry Hall of Fame, Control Panel (industry’s first E-mail newsletter), Police Dispatch Quality (PDQ), Marketing Marvel, Installers of the Year, Integrated Installation of the Year, Security Industry Census, Systems Integration Study, Installation Business Report, Operations & Opportunities Report, Commercial End-User Study and Security’s Fantastic Fleets.
Recognized for his relationship building, integrity and lead-by-example ethic, Goldfine is a solutions-oriented team player who advises and collaborates with industry dealer/integrator, consultant, distributor, central station and manufacturer icons, luminaries and executive business leaders on a daily basis. He is also actively involved in several security events and organizations, including the Electronic Security Association (ESA), Security Industry Association (SIA), Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA), PSA-Tec, SAMMY Awards, International Security Conference and Exhibition (ISC), Electronic Security Technology Summit (ESTS), Mission 500, Electronic Security Expo (ESX), ASIS Int’l, Honeywell CONNECT and other supplier conventions. Goldfine also serves on several boards, including the CSAA Marketing and Communications Committee and PSA Cybersecurity Advisory Council.
A certified alarm technician, former cable-TV tech, audio company entrepreneur, and lifelong electronics and computers enthusiast, Goldfine graduated with honors from Cal State, Northridge with a management degree in Radio-Television-Film. His professional media endeavors have encompassed magazines, Internet, radio, TV, film, records, teletext and books. Goldfine resides in the Charlotte, N.C., area with his wife, son and three cats.
Contact Scott Goldfine: sgoldfine@ehpub.com